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World J Gastroenterol. Jun 28, 2007; 13(24): 3288-3300
Published online Jun 28, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i24.3288
Ileal pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis
Simon P Bach, Neil J Mortensen
Simon P Bach, Neil J Mortensen, Department of Colorectal Surgery, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Mr Simon Bach, Lecturer in Colorectal Surgery, Nuffield Department of Surgery, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom. simon.bach@nds.ox.ac.uk
Telephone: +44-186-5741166
Received: January 6, 2007
Revised: March 1, 2007
Accepted: March 7, 2007
Published online: June 28, 2007
Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a relapsing and remitting disease characterised by chronic mucosal and submucosal inflammation of the colon and rectum. Treatment may vary depending upon the extent and severity of inflammation. Broadly speaking medical treatments aim to induce and then maintain remission. Surgery is indicated for inflammatory disease that is refractory to medical treatment or in cases of neoplastic transformation. Approximately 25% of patients with UC ultimately require colectomy. Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has become the standard of care for patients with ulcerative colitis who ultimately require colectomy. This review will examine indications for IPAA, patient selection, technical aspects of surgery, management of complications and long term outcome following this procedure.

Keywords: Ulcerative colitis; Ileal Pouch; Ileal pouch anal anastomosis